Connacht badminton players enjoyed a hugely successful weekend at the Victor Irish Graded Finals 2026 held at the National Indoor Arena in Dublin, capturing an outstanding nine gold titles and seven silver medals across multiple grades and events.
One of the standout performances of the championships came from Oranmore Badminton Club players Jason Carr and Sean Wynne, who captured Gold in the Grade E Men’s Doubles. Carr also enjoyed a remarkable championships overall, completing a clean sweep of three national titles by additionally winning the Grade D Men’s Singles and Grade E Men’s Singles events.
Galway Lawn Tennis Club players Larissa Hayden and Margaritte McKeown were also among the standout performers of the championships. The pair enjoyed tremendous success together, capturing Gold in both the Grade D and Grade E Women’s Doubles events, while also winning Silver in the Grade C Women’s Doubles. Hayden additionally secured the Grade E Women’s Singles national title and reached an impressive five national finals overall, while McKeown also claimed Silver in the Grade E Women’s Singles.
Further success came in Grade F where Walisson Silva of Cortoon captured Silver in the Men’s Singles before partnering Rajesh Edavalath Balan of GLTC to win Gold in the Grade F Men’s Doubles. Cortoon pair Seoighe O’Neill and Kasia Silva also secured Silver in the Grade F Women’s Doubles.
In Grade H, Ezra Heraty of Headford/GLTC claimed Gold in the Men’s Singles, defeating GLTC teammate Samuel Nathan in the final. Nathan also secured Gold in the Grade H Men’s Doubles alongside Vineeth Babu.
Claddaghduff players Florence Pryce-Williams and Izabele Pukelyte added to the Connacht medal haul by winning Silver in the Grade H Women’s Doubles.
The championships highlighted the tremendous strength and depth of badminton talent currently across Connacht clubs including Oranmore, Galway Lawn Tennis Club, Cortoon, Headford and Claddaghduff, with players delivering outstanding performances on the national stage throughout the weekend.
